Your task is to create 4 SMART goals in the following areas: academic, career, personal, and financial. Use pages 10-12 of your textbook for help.

Specific: The goal should identify a specific action or event that will take place.

Measurable: The goal and its benefits should be quantifiable.

Achievable: The goal should be attainable given available resources.

Realistic: The goal should require you to stretch some, but allow the likelihood of success.

Timely: The goal should state the time period in which it will be accomplished.

Step 1: View figure 1.2 in your textbook on pg. 12.

Step 2: Follow the directions on the page:

"What are your goals this term? Using the SMART goal-setting guide, set one goal in each of the four areas listed: academic, career, personal, and financial. Follow the goal through time, from immediate to long-term. An example is provided for you in your textbook."

Step 3: Determine the 4 goals you would like to pursue.

Step 4: Recreate the chart on pg. 12 or simply type your responses.

Tips to help you set effective goals:

• Develop several goals (you are required to complete 4 goals). A list of up to five items gives you several areas to work on over a period of time.
• State goals as declarations of intention and not items on a wish list. "I want to apply to three universities" lacks power. "I will apply to three universities," is intentional and powerful.
• Attach a date to each goal. State what you intend to accomplish and by when. A good list should include some short-term and some long-term goals. You may want a few goals for the year, and some for two- or three-month intervals.
• Be specific. "To find a job" is too general; "to find and research five job openings before the end of the month" is better. Sometimes a more general goal can become the long-term aim, and you can identify some more specific goals to take you there.
• Share your goals with someone who cares if you reach them. Sharing your intentions with your parents, co-workers, friends, spouses, or professors will help ensure success.
• Write down your goals and put them where you will see them. The more often you read your list, the more results you get.
• Review and revise your list. Experiment with different ways of stating your goals. Goal setting improves with practice, so feel free to write several drafts.